Newcastle trio shortlisted by the Premier League as Howe eyes record
Whilst there’s still plenty to fight for on the pitch this season, our immense recent efforts and quality have begun to be recognised by the Premier League.
Having just gone through a tough April schedule, in which we won five of our six league games, three key members of the team are up for the league’s monthly awards.
Here’s who’s in the running:
Toon attackers nominated
The nominees for the April EA Sports Player of the Month are in, and two of our attacking stars have been selected.
Harvey Barnes has enjoyed perhaps his best month since signing from Leicester last season, with dazzling goals and some career highlight performances making him a front runner.
In detail, Barnes recorded four goals and two assists in April, with the biggest contribution being his brace in the 4-1 win over Manchester United at St James’ Park.
Meanwhile Jacob Murphy is also amongst the nominees after taking his goal contributions up to 19 in 31 league outings in recent weeks.
With three goals and three assists to his name, including the thunderous strike in the 5-0 rout of Crystal Palace, the POTM nod here would cap off what’s been a truly tremendous season for Murphy.
The other nominees include Wolves pair Rayan Ait-Nouri and Jorgen Strand Larsen, Aston Villa standout Morgan Rogers, Liverpool league winner Alexis Mac Allister, and Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon.
Eddie Howe could equal Sir Bobby Robson
Even if he was technically absent for a number of games in April, Eddie Howe has also been nominated for the Manager of the Month award.
Thanks to our 83% win rate in April, we’re on the precipice of reaching the Champions League as one of the form teams in all of Europe over the last six games.
Also in the running are Aston Villa's Unai Emery, Pep Guardiola of Man City, Wolves' Vitor Pereira and title-winning Liverpool boss Arne Slot.
Should Howe be given the prestigious honour, he will move level with Sir Bobby Robson for the number of Manager of the Month awards won, level at six each!
Also on six is another one of our old managers in Sam Allardyce, with Rafa Benitez just ahead on seven.
